Therapist

Job Summary

Performs highly responsible and professional therapy and treatment involving a wide variety of responsibilities. Responsible for assessment and recommendations for individuals with mental health concerns. Consults with and provides training for other personnel, other professionals, and agencies regarding mental health services. The majority of the work is direct client services

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conducts mental health assessment in areas such as diagnosis, prognosis, parent/child interaction, attachment, family dynamics, safety issues, parenting, and functional assessment. 
• Provides professional outpatient therapy, treatment, and evaluation services to individuals with mental health diagnoses and significant emotional/behavioral symptoms. 
• Provides professional therapeutic intervention to individuals, couples, and families referred by other agencies. Provides professional in-home therapy to families
• Provides education, consultation, and training for other agencies and county departments. 
• Provides crisis intervention, ongoing safety planning and intervention, and critical incident stress debriefing.
• Provides testimony regarding diagnosis and recommendations. 
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with referral sources, including providing feedback and consultation regarding specific clientele. 
• Provides mental health expertise to billing staff and health plan representatives in order to obtain authorization for appropriate mental health services for clients and reimbursement to the fullest extent available for the agency. 
• Maintains working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to outpatient therapy and assessment services. 
• Acquires and utilizes up-to-date research, education, and training in the delivery of ethical and competent mental health intervention. 
• Maintains current records and documentation within the client file according to Minnesota Data Privacy Practices, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Medicaid, and Department of Human Services Rule 29 regulations.
• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires current Mental Health Professional (MHP) licensure (this is a Master’s Degree level license) OR the ability to obtain MHP licensure to practice independently within 12 months AND 2 years of experience in providing professional therapy and diagnostic assessment. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Mental Health Center Supervisor or Clinical Director. Work is performed according to established professional guidelines and procedures, as well standards and procedures which are determined by county, state, or federal regulations. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment in implementing new work methods and procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Ability to operate office equipment related to the job and ability to train staff in its use when necessary.
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to assess and manage cases.
• Ability to communicate effectively via written documentation, in person, or over the telephone.
• Ability to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed.
• Ability to develop new accounting systems and techniques.
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of management, coworkers, and the general public.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.